JTF says it is only chasing oil thieves in Bayelsa, distances self from alleged invasion
The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe says allegations that it invaded Igbomotoru community in Bayelsa is baseless and an attempt to distract ongoing efforts to stamp out oil theft.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the joint military force conducted a site visit to the illegal refineries site on Thursday with newsmen, led by Lt. Col. Philimone Malgwi, the Commanding Officer 343 Artillery Regiment.
The trip showed the illegal refining sites operated by oil thieves, where the ongoing clampdown on criminal elements took place, are located about 1.3 to 5 km away from Igbomotoru community.
Addressing newsmen after the visit, Rear Adm. Aminu Hassan, the JTF Commander, said the mandate was to protect oil and gas infrastructure and deter militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other form of criminality within the Niger Delta region.
He dismissed claims that the JTF was occupying the area and maintained that the operation was in line with their rules of engagement.
He added that the military was in the area to flush out criminals and protect law-abiding residents from criminals.
“In the way we do our things, we believe in showing people that we have nothing to hide, that is why we conducted the press to the field and we showed them what and what is there, and what the criminals are doing.
“They have erected illegal refining camps the size of which had never been seen in Bayelsa before. We have been watching them before now, it is now they want to start operation and we must stop them.
“We are here to protect the people, the oil and gas facilities, we follow international best practices, as professionals,” he said.
He challenged the suspected
